Chiang Mai Journal of Science

     (Ba_0.85Ca0_.15) Zr_0.1Ti_0.9O₃ (BCZT) ceramics with donor (La³⁺ and Bi³⁺ ions) and acceptor (Na+ ions) doping at the A-site were fabricated in this study. The effects of crystal structure, microstructure, and chemical defects on all samples’ dielectric properties and piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) were observed. Bi³⁺ ions decreased grain size, decreased phase transition temperature, and caused the diffuse dielectric spectrum, resulting in a low d₃₃ value. Na⁺ ions induced abnormal grain growth, leading to enhancement in maximum dielectric constant; meanwhile, the phase transition temperature increased. The d₃₃ value of Na-doped BCZT was comparable with BCZT ceramic. The addition of La³⁺ ions increased the phase transition temperature and decreased grain size. The d₃₃ value of La-doped BCZT was lower than BCZT ceramic. The result suggested that BCZT, BCZT-Na, and BCZT-La ceramics could be alternative materials for piezoelectric energy harvesting devices.